Middle East News - AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US efforts to revive the Middle East process floundered Tuesday after President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held closed door talks amid signs of friction. Full Story »

BEIRUT (AFP) - The Lebanese press on Tuesday welcomed Prime Minister Saad Hariri's new unity government but doubted he would be able to tackle the deep rifts between his camp and the rival Hezbollah-led opposition. Full Story »

ISTANBUL (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Monday told the West that dialogue and cooperation were the only way to resolve the dispute over his country's nuclear push which he said was a "natural right". Full Story »

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Minorities, including Christians, in northern Iraq are the collateral victims of a conflict between Arabs and Kurds over who controls the country's disputed provinces, Human Rights Watch warned Tuesday. Full Story »

TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran said on Tuesday that three arrested American hikers committed the crime of entering the country illegally, even as they are also reported to be facing other possible charges. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said pursuing nuclear weapons was not in Iran's own interest as she pressed Tehran to accept a UN-backed deal. Full Story »

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq's general election will be held on January 21, the country's electoral chief told AFP on Monday, a vote seen as crucial to consolidating its fledgling democracy and ensuring a smooth US military exit. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The White House on Monday pressed Iran to quickly respond to a deal that would supply the Islamic Republic with enriched nuclear fuel, or else risk fresh sanctions. Full Story »

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said on Monday he was "very close" to reaching a peace agreement with Israel before a new right-wing government assumed power at the end of March. Full Story »

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - Palestinians tore down a chunk of Israel's West Bank separation barrier on Monday in a protest staged to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the day the Berlin Wall came down. Full Story »